Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1887-02-18
miscellaneous.
Breckenridge and iBenjamin.

In the summer of 1875 met Gen.
Breckenridge in Richmond, and one
Sunday afternoon we were sitting alone
in front Of the Ballard hotel. ask ed
him, if not unpleasant, it would be graf
flying to have him give an account Of
his escape after the downfall Of tho Con-
federacy, and how it occurred that Mr..
Benjamin was separated from him He
replied that he would chcerfuly do so,
and said that after following Mr.. Davis
some distance on the retreat he became
satisfied that Mr.. Davis had selected the
most dangerous route, aud to continue
under his guidance, which he persisted
in, capture would be certain aud inevi-
table. If decided to pursue different
course, aud, taking with me some trusty
mon and as few as possible, left Mr..
Davis and his escort and struck off for
the Florida coast. Soon afterward Mr..
Davis, as | predicted, was captured 1
met with some soldiers Of the Federal
army They did not recognize me. and
nothing special occurred TO cause me to
apprehend my arrest or safety passed
squad of them in gallop, but no de-
menstration was made against me. nor
did they seem to be aware who was
He then said: Having been familiar
in early life to hunt aud travel in the
night in Kentucky, | recalled the OK
perence of my youth, and adapted my
self to change Of circumstances, travel
ing incognito and with few faithful
and fearless followers. In short time,
with nothing specially perilous during
the journey, we reached the coast in
safety. We then procured a small boat
and supply Of provisions. which wore
easily obtained as | was supplied with
some gold, aud with a small pocket com
pass which | always carried with me,
and with J. Taylor Wood and two others
in an open boat VIC started for tho coast
of Cuba. In two day and three nights
Of the most delightful and propitious
weather we landed within one mile Of
the island, our only guide being my
pocket compass Capt. Wood fell over
board during the voyage, but was seen
hauled in, and was not the least discon-
certed or alarmed. He was one Of the
bravest of men. After reaching Cuba |
found friends and Accommodations re-
mined there but brief time and then
went to Paris aud back eventually to
Canada. The balance you are no doubt
familiar with"
"Where was Mr.. Benjamin :" asked.
"He remained with me only a day
after leaving Mr.. Davis. He was re-
markable man, could adapt himself to
any society or circumstances; could
speak French, German and other Ian
guages auently. He travelled through
the country as a Jew merchant and
sailed from Charleston, so | learned"
| made memorandum Of this con-
yersation at the time and this is u YER
batim report.
Gen. Breckenridc was exceedingly
pleasant and courteous during tho con-
versation, but increasing age, disap-
pointed hopes and his varied expert
onces in life have plainly changed his
appearance from the well proportioned
and erect physical manhood and hand
some and striking physiognomy which
excited my admiration when college
student in Washington city 10 1858,
where | often saw him preside with
such splendid ability and courtly bear
ing as Vice President over the United
States Senate. - Thomas d. Jfress in
PhilndeLphid Times.